2nd millennium BC. A bronze axehead of Type Meldreth with octagonal-section facetted body, mouth with rounded collar and loop, flared edge. See Schmidt, P.K. & Burgess, C.B. The Axes of Scotland and Northern England, Prähistorische Bronzefunde, Ab. IX, vol. 7, Munich, 1981, p. 204-11 for discussion. 177 grams, 10.5cm (4"). The Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s; collection number AX68; found County Tyrone, Northern Ireland; in January 1984. Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s.

Fine condition.